Friends had told us about this place and we were looking forward to a visit. The wave pool is located in the Darwin Wharf Precinct which is very impressive. For 3 hours it's only $5 per person and $3 with a concession.
The water temperature is just right and it's a salt water pool. Lifesavers are on duty and on the lookout for anyone in trouble. People bob around in huge blue plastic rings or float on boogie boards. The wave occur on a cycle and a siren sounds the change from flat calm waters to gradually increasing large waves that are big enough for people to surf.
I was a bit tentative (non-swimmer) but Jennifer was excellent and was very reassuring and Robert helped me along as well. I wasn't too keen on the bigger waves and logically I knew that I'd be OK but it's not as easy as that when you have a fear of going under and not knowing where is up.
I bobbed along for one cycle and I did try to get closer to the shallow end but the old knees just wouldn't bend the right way. I quite enjoyed the calm bits in between the wave cycles.
Jennifer and Robert had a great time. There were heaps of teenagers there and us teachers were thinking about truancy but all was cleared up while I was sitting under the shade of a palm tree. It was a school excursion! What a great place to take kids with lifesavers on the watch. The teachers looked like they were enjoying themselves too. Funny to see the teachers at the end of the session asking the kids to clean up the rubbish - some kids did but teachers ended up doing most of it. They found some money along the way but that didn't impress the kids.
Back at the park later in the afternoon, we prepared for a seafood feast. Jennifer and Heath wanted to say thankyou and they bought Morton Bay bugs, cooked prawns, shnapper and barramundi. Absolutely lovely.
Robert's just taking them to the airport (2:45 a.m. departure and arriving in Adelaide at 6:20 a.m.). It was very special sharing part of our holiday with them. I know they're both looking forward to going home and seeing Tiger (the dog). Another month and we'll see them again. I'm glad that I went home a few weeks ago because I would have been wanting to get on that plane with them to go home.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday 27th August 2011 Litchfield National Park
 |
| cathedral termite mound |
Litchfield is south of Darwin and is a national park. It's about 100 km trip. We wanted to check out the van parks here because this is our first stop on the way back to Adelaide. We also wanted Jennifer and Heafy to see some of the bush while they were up here.
Large groups of termite mounds are a feature on the way in. They look like grave stones or a frozen alien army (Dr Who fans will know what I mean).
The towering cathedral mounds are so different to the magnetic mounds but both are impressive when you think of the tiny creatures that work as a team to make these structures.
 |
| board walk near plunge pool and water falls |
CD selection was loaded and the singing began. I think Heath had his own music happening with his phone so he didn't have to suffer.
The landscape soon changes. This area has several water falls with plunge pools and they are a popular place for people to swim (apparently there are no crocodiles - I'm still not convinced as there are warning signs and information about crocodile management).
Paths have been built so that access to most of these spots are accessible to everyone. Some of the walks from the falls may be harder.
 |
| magnetic termite mounds |
From lookouts, spectacular gorges with cascading water falling from many metres to a pool below is not what I expected to see. It's difficult to imagine how much water would be here in the wet season with the amount flowing now.
Cooling off by standing in the water was enough for us. Most of the swimmers said that it was lovely after the initial shock.
 | |||
| burn off in the park |
Friday August 26th 2011 Botanic Gardens
A trip to the Botanic Gardens this afternoon was just a good way to get in a walk and check out the plants. We opted for the Monsoon Walk, Shaded Walk, Tiwi Gardens, Sustainability Garden, Orchid House and pond.
This is a very relaxing garden (most are) with easy walks through different vegetation. I like tropical rainforests. There's just something about the colour, density of the trees and the smells that make them so peaceful and calm.
Jennifer was looking for one plant in particular to find out its name and to see if would be available in Adelaide. Luckily, she found it early on in the walk.
 |
| I had to get under sprinkler - it was a hot day! |
It's hard to imagine Darwin flattened by Cyclone Tracy over 40 years ago. Most of the plants would have been wiped out except some of the very old trees that are still standing.
Friday August 26th 2011 Coconuts
A few weeks ago we were given a huge coconut by a family who were harvesting coconuts in the caravan park. Today was the day that the coconut was cracked!
It wasn't as easy as the men thought and the tool box came out to tackle the challenge. Forget all the OHS that was a prerequisite when Bob was a tech studies teacher - I was a bit worried that some damage would be done but they came through unscathed.
Screw driver, saw, nail punch, Stanley knife were just some of the tools used. It wasn't long before Robert broke out in a sweat but it didn't stop him from telling Heafy what to do.
Jennifer and I took photos and offered our opinion but mostly we were ignored. What's new?
We all waited for the final blows as the coconut finally cracked. Fresh coconut "milk" was delish and the coconut flesh tasted pretty good too.
It wasn't as easy as the men thought and the tool box came out to tackle the challenge. Forget all the OHS that was a prerequisite when Bob was a tech studies teacher - I was a bit worried that some damage would be done but they came through unscathed.
Screw driver, saw, nail punch, Stanley knife were just some of the tools used. It wasn't long before Robert broke out in a sweat but it didn't stop him from telling Heafy what to do.
Jennifer and I took photos and offered our opinion but mostly we were ignored. What's new?
We all waited for the final blows as the coconut finally cracked. Fresh coconut "milk" was delish and the coconut flesh tasted pretty good too.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday August 24th Darwin Cane Toad Races
I was a bit reluctant to check out the cane toad races held every Wednesday night in the caravan park. With Heath, Jennifer and Robert keen to go, I walked down to watch the events.
The presenter gives a brief talk about the cane toad and how it happened to come to Australia. Like another animal introduced to our country, these toads bred like rabbits and have destroyed many species of local fauna.
Even though they are a recognised pest, they must be treated humanely and that was my main concern. I didn't want to see any of them killed after the races. In fact, they are kept and race every week. This is the hibernation period for them so when they are woken up, they're keen to move around - well that's what we were told.
There are 10 toads with numbers written on their backs. People can "buy" a toad for $5 and after each player places his/her toad in an over-turned bucket, with a hole in the centre, music heralds the start of the races (just like a horse race). The bucket is removed and the toads need to head to the low circular wall that is the barrier. Different races have different rules; first toad to get to the wall and touch it can win or first toad to land on a chalked circle may win or last toad to leave the centre circle may win.
At the beginning of each race, the toads tend to sit and do nothing. To get them moving, a spray of water is misted over them and that spurs them to hop around. Some make straight for the wall but stop just before touching it. Others hop over the low wall and are quickly put back into the circle.
The race caller and organiser keeps everyone entertained by outlining what each toad is doing. It's so funny. I'm glad that I went and I couldn't see that the toads were mistreated in any way.
The presenter gives a brief talk about the cane toad and how it happened to come to Australia. Like another animal introduced to our country, these toads bred like rabbits and have destroyed many species of local fauna.
Even though they are a recognised pest, they must be treated humanely and that was my main concern. I didn't want to see any of them killed after the races. In fact, they are kept and race every week. This is the hibernation period for them so when they are woken up, they're keen to move around - well that's what we were told.
There are 10 toads with numbers written on their backs. People can "buy" a toad for $5 and after each player places his/her toad in an over-turned bucket, with a hole in the centre, music heralds the start of the races (just like a horse race). The bucket is removed and the toads need to head to the low circular wall that is the barrier. Different races have different rules; first toad to get to the wall and touch it can win or first toad to land on a chalked circle may win or last toad to leave the centre circle may win.
At the beginning of each race, the toads tend to sit and do nothing. To get them moving, a spray of water is misted over them and that spurs them to hop around. Some make straight for the wall but stop just before touching it. Others hop over the low wall and are quickly put back into the circle.
The race caller and organiser keeps everyone entertained by outlining what each toad is doing. It's so funny. I'm glad that I went and I couldn't see that the toads were mistreated in any way.
Shady Glen Caravan Park Darwin August 2011
Red-tailed and yellow-tailed black cockatoos frequent the caravan park every afternoon about 5:30 p.m.
Not far from our van is a tree that has green fruit and this is where they perch making noises and biting into the fruit.
The fruit (about the size of an apricot) is chomped from the branches and after one bite, it is dropped to the ground unless a car is parked underneath.
I nearly had one land on my head as I was concentrating on taking photos.
The flock has about a dozen birds and it's not something that we see in SA.
Not far from our van is a tree that has green fruit and this is where they perch making noises and biting into the fruit.
The fruit (about the size of an apricot) is chomped from the branches and after one bite, it is dropped to the ground unless a car is parked underneath.
I nearly had one land on my head as I was concentrating on taking photos.
 |
| not a good photo but I did get the red tail |
August 21st 2011 Sunday Hip Hop Concert
Another visit to Mindil Markets for tea tonight! The aromas from the food are so tantalising; it's hard to decide what cuisine to try.
Not far from the markets is the Botanical Gardens where "The Herd" performed. They're a hip hop group with strong political and social justice views that are reflected in the lyrics of the songs they perform. With many performers, it's difficult to understand all of the lyrics because of many factors so I'd like a scrolling text of the lyrics to be projected on big screens so that the audience can really understand the powerful messages being performed.
Before this group performed the support group "Kojo Sound System" put on a show. Sadly, the sound check is set up for the headline act so there was some distortion and way too much bass.
I quite like hip hop but it's not really to Robert's liking so after a few songs by "The Herd" we headed for home. Their version of "Only 19" is pretty cool.
Not far from the markets is the Botanical Gardens where "The Herd" performed. They're a hip hop group with strong political and social justice views that are reflected in the lyrics of the songs they perform. With many performers, it's difficult to understand all of the lyrics because of many factors so I'd like a scrolling text of the lyrics to be projected on big screens so that the audience can really understand the powerful messages being performed.
 |
| at hip hop concert |
Before this group performed the support group "Kojo Sound System" put on a show. Sadly, the sound check is set up for the headline act so there was some distortion and way too much bass.
I quite like hip hop but it's not really to Robert's liking so after a few songs by "The Herd" we headed for home. Their version of "Only 19" is pretty cool.
Wednesday August 24th 2011 Fannie Bay Gaol
Jennifer and Heath joined us for a visit to Fannie Bay Gaol. If you ever want to feel depressed, just visit this place. It was only closed down as a gaol in 1979 and looking around at the condition of the buildings, it must have been almost derelict then.
Cyclone cages housed several prisoners in the one cage. Apparently, this is what the prisoners wanted and many of them would have been indigenous so were used to being together and sharing. It was also a recommendation by an inquiry into deaths in custody that indigenous prisoners be housed this way.
Up until the mid 1950s, male and female prisoners were not separated in different areas. The female section had plants that were tended by the prisoners. There was also a children’s section and an area for infectious diseases e.g. leprosy.
A solid brick building that was the infirmary was altered to house a gallows. Several prisoners were hanged and the last two in the 1950s. This area is especially eerie. It’s not hard to imagine what this place would have been like. We tend to do our own explorations when we visit some places so the four of us separated and as there weren’t a lot of sightseers so often you would find yourself alone in an area.
Looking through the cells that held up to 3 prisoners at a time was challenging. The extremely narrow cell doors made entry difficult and also getting out, which is probably the reason for the narrowness of the opening. It would be difficult for more than one person to exit the cell or to actually rush a guard.
To say the cells were spartan would be an exaggeration. They did have a flushing toilet in each one with a low wall for some form of privacy.
 |
| ablutions block |
The muster point had numbered spaces on the lawn for inmates to stand and be counted. Most of the numbers were still visible even though the grass was doing its best to cover them.
The living conditions of the guards/warders and their families weren’t much better than the prisoners when it was first opened.
There was an art exhibition of current prisoners’ paintings, pottery, sculptures and installations. Most of them were very good and Jennifer and Heath want to buy one. The one that Robert really liked was quite large (2m x 1.5m) and it was only $10,000! It was excellent and painted by an Indigenous artist. The exhibition was aptly named ‘Behind the Wire’.
We were all glad to get out of this place when we’d seen enough – not so the prisoners from a few decades ago.
As we’ve travel, we often listen to local ABC radio or Radio National and there have been a few programs that have highlighted the imbalance of indigenous prisoners to non-indigenous prisoners. The percentage of indigenous prisoners is considerably higher.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Darwin City Friday 19th August 2011
Jennifer and Heath have moved from caravan park cabin to an apartment on the 6th floor in the city that they are sharing with friends. After buying delish food from Mindil markets, we sat on the balcony eating and looking at the great view of the city and surrounds. I think they'll enjoy their stay here.
Like everyone else this morning, we heard about the helicopter crash that took the lives of 3 ABC members. Whilst many people die in tragic accidents every day, we were both sad to here about Paul Lockyer who has become such a familiar face on ABC over many years.
Before arriving in Darwin, we detoured to visit Charles Darwin National Park where some WW2 storage depots are spotted throughout this area. I was a bit worried when a large sign told us to beware of biting insects.
The maps on display really show the spread of the Japanese as they invaded many countries on their way south.
Further along the road is a lovely area for picnics (as long as you protected yourself from biters) and a lookout that explains why there are so many mossies and other biting insects here. The city is almost surrounded by mangrove forests that go on forever. They look healthy and lush but they provide a good habitat for many other creatures. I'm sure there would be some crocodiles down there. With the tide rising several metres twice a day, the mangroves would be well-covered in salt water which they thrive on.
Today, Robert and I used the car park where you get the first 2 hours for free. Don't think this happens in Adelaide but I could be wrong. It's only a short walk from there to the mall or the swimming lagoon and wave pool.
Lots of public art provides interest as well as information and inspiration. Charles Darwin is celebrated along with others who influenced the creation of Darwin. A long line of purple and green structures representing pandanas palms line the side of a main street - I'd like to visit at night when it's lit up. There's also an over-sized tawny frogmouth sculpture that sits at the beginning of this pathway.
We'd heard about Crocodilus Cave from my youngest brother so we thought we'd check it out. Seeing crocodiles in the wild is a different experience to watching them in large aquaria (aquariums) they glide along the surface or sit at the bottom. Several were over 5 metres long and one was at least 80 years old (Burt starred in Crocodile Dundee).
You can get quite close to these ancient reptiles and you can really see the different physical features through the clear water. I don't know if it's OK to have these creatures in captivity - they are not endangered so there's no need for a breeding program. On the other hand, it's interesting to see what they look like up close and personal.
Salties and freshwater crocs are kept here but in separate aquaria. The number of freshwater crocs is considerable. They range from a metre to 4 metres in length and they are not in individual aquarium as are the large salties. More than 20 swim about or laze in the sun.
Another area has glass-like domes for a person to stand and look at the freshies at their level. Luckily, they're not too big or threatening. I had a close look but Robert decided to watch from a higher point.
Turtles and other reptiles are on display and the descriptions and explanations are clear and easy to understand. I was able to hold a lizard that was a bit like the sleepy lizards we have in Adelaide except the colouring was different. I also held a dragon which was really 'cool'. It's skin was like sandpaper but it didn't mind being held. There was also the opportunity to hold a snake but I chose not to. A freshwater croc was also available to hold providing you bought a photograph.
Aptly named pig-nosed turtles swam in another pond. Very different to other turtles we've seen. There were many varieties of snakes on display in an area that was like the nocturnal house in Adelaide Zoo. The lack of lighting made them even more mysterious and something to be wary of. Don't like snakes!
Exit was through the shop where a variety of kitsh souvenirs were for sale along with products made from farmed crocodiles skins. Brightly coloured handbags, belts, wallets and other items with price tags hidden from view were available for purchase. We did see a very small coin purse for $300. No wonder the handbag price tags weren't on display. I guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
We left the main shopping precinct and headed towards the esplanade. Most of the war memorials are located in this area which has many tall leafy shade trees dotted along the pathways and in the gardens. It's quite a nice walk.
Government House is located just above the shore line of the bay and it was an open afternoon. The home is still used by the Chief Administrator and it is stunning. Surrounding the brick building is a large verandah which has white shutters that have been there since 1937. Robert remarked on how much time it would take to paint them.
The gardens are well-maintained and are terraced from the shore to the building. The palms, ferns and other tropical plants are just beautiful. From the verandah, doors open into the different rooms that have very, very high ceilings. The dining room was set for a lavish dinner with polished silver, crystal glasses, especially made crockery on a table that could seat 20 with ease. It could also be shortened to seat 8.
I think my favourite place would be the verandah with little nooks and comfortable seating. It would be lovely to sit here and read or paint (not the shutters) or watch the world go by.
 |
| Heath waving from 6th floor |
Like everyone else this morning, we heard about the helicopter crash that took the lives of 3 ABC members. Whilst many people die in tragic accidents every day, we were both sad to here about Paul Lockyer who has become such a familiar face on ABC over many years.
Before arriving in Darwin, we detoured to visit Charles Darwin National Park where some WW2 storage depots are spotted throughout this area. I was a bit worried when a large sign told us to beware of biting insects.
 |
| looking towards Darwin from Charles Darwin National Park |
The maps on display really show the spread of the Japanese as they invaded many countries on their way south.
Further along the road is a lovely area for picnics (as long as you protected yourself from biters) and a lookout that explains why there are so many mossies and other biting insects here. The city is almost surrounded by mangrove forests that go on forever. They look healthy and lush but they provide a good habitat for many other creatures. I'm sure there would be some crocodiles down there. With the tide rising several metres twice a day, the mangroves would be well-covered in salt water which they thrive on.
Today, Robert and I used the car park where you get the first 2 hours for free. Don't think this happens in Adelaide but I could be wrong. It's only a short walk from there to the mall or the swimming lagoon and wave pool.
Lots of public art provides interest as well as information and inspiration. Charles Darwin is celebrated along with others who influenced the creation of Darwin. A long line of purple and green structures representing pandanas palms line the side of a main street - I'd like to visit at night when it's lit up. There's also an over-sized tawny frogmouth sculpture that sits at the beginning of this pathway.
We'd heard about Crocodilus Cave from my youngest brother so we thought we'd check it out. Seeing crocodiles in the wild is a different experience to watching them in large aquaria (aquariums) they glide along the surface or sit at the bottom. Several were over 5 metres long and one was at least 80 years old (Burt starred in Crocodile Dundee).
You can get quite close to these ancient reptiles and you can really see the different physical features through the clear water. I don't know if it's OK to have these creatures in captivity - they are not endangered so there's no need for a breeding program. On the other hand, it's interesting to see what they look like up close and personal.
Salties and freshwater crocs are kept here but in separate aquaria. The number of freshwater crocs is considerable. They range from a metre to 4 metres in length and they are not in individual aquarium as are the large salties. More than 20 swim about or laze in the sun.
Another area has glass-like domes for a person to stand and look at the freshies at their level. Luckily, they're not too big or threatening. I had a close look but Robert decided to watch from a higher point.
Turtles and other reptiles are on display and the descriptions and explanations are clear and easy to understand. I was able to hold a lizard that was a bit like the sleepy lizards we have in Adelaide except the colouring was different. I also held a dragon which was really 'cool'. It's skin was like sandpaper but it didn't mind being held. There was also the opportunity to hold a snake but I chose not to. A freshwater croc was also available to hold providing you bought a photograph.
Aptly named pig-nosed turtles swam in another pond. Very different to other turtles we've seen. There were many varieties of snakes on display in an area that was like the nocturnal house in Adelaide Zoo. The lack of lighting made them even more mysterious and something to be wary of. Don't like snakes!
 |
| freshwater crocodile |
Exit was through the shop where a variety of kitsh souvenirs were for sale along with products made from farmed crocodiles skins. Brightly coloured handbags, belts, wallets and other items with price tags hidden from view were available for purchase. We did see a very small coin purse for $300. No wonder the handbag price tags weren't on display. I guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
We left the main shopping precinct and headed towards the esplanade. Most of the war memorials are located in this area which has many tall leafy shade trees dotted along the pathways and in the gardens. It's quite a nice walk.
Government House is located just above the shore line of the bay and it was an open afternoon. The home is still used by the Chief Administrator and it is stunning. Surrounding the brick building is a large verandah which has white shutters that have been there since 1937. Robert remarked on how much time it would take to paint them.
The gardens are well-maintained and are terraced from the shore to the building. The palms, ferns and other tropical plants are just beautiful. From the verandah, doors open into the different rooms that have very, very high ceilings. The dining room was set for a lavish dinner with polished silver, crystal glasses, especially made crockery on a table that could seat 20 with ease. It could also be shortened to seat 8.
I think my favourite place would be the verandah with little nooks and comfortable seating. It would be lovely to sit here and read or paint (not the shutters) or watch the world go by.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday August 14th 2011 Darwin Festival
Heath and I arrived in Darwin this morning at 2:00 a.m. Onya Annie and Max for taking us to the airport and same to Bobby who picked us up.
I don't think Heath (Jennifer's partner) really believed me when I told him about the warm weather until he stepped out of the airport.
It was lovely being able to catch up with family and friends and just be home. Nice to walk along Semaphore Rd and The Esplanade.
Robert did a few sightseeing trips during the week and caught up with a cousin he hadn't seen for over 44 years and an ex-student who is in the defence force.
We checked out Mindil Beach markets tonight - you'd have to be really fussy if you couldn't find a cuisine that you enjoyed. I thought there would be a few food stalls and some art/craft stuff but there were so many food stalls selling delish food and even more art/craft stalls. We focussed on the food and next time, the other stalls may get a visit.
Before we window-shopped the food stalls, we walked to the beach to watch the sunset that we'd heard so much about. The number of people doing the same thing was staggering. Hundreds of people stood facing west to watch the glowing ball disappear on the horizon. Whilst it was a lovely sight, I think Largs Bay beach has an impressive sunset and I've seen many of them. Oddly, some people actually clapped when the sun set. A sunrise might be something that I would find impressive because I haven't seen many of them.
The tempting aromas from the food stalls were soon competing with each other as we checked out the many offerings. Fish cakes, tempura prawns and a pawpaw chilli salad followed by a mango sorbet did the job. Thursday night might see us back there for something different.
There were hundreds of people doing the same thing as us and out of that crowd, we bumped into Madi and her mum. Madi is an ex-Lefevre High student, whom we both taught and she's up here working for a few months. Being homesick last week, Bob showed her some of the local sights and took her shopping.
Jennifer had organised tickets for Heath and me to see a drag show (an act from Darwin Festival) called Drags Aloud and The Sistagirls. Jennifer managed this act for the week. This show was different because the Drags Aloud were seasoned performers and quite well known but the three sister girls from the Tiwi Islands had not performed as an act in public until last night.
The show was excellent with lots of great songs that were made for dancing and clapping. The choreography was well done; the humour was risqué and everyone enjoyed it. We had the best seats as Heath was asked to photograph the performers during the show. I think Bobby would have enjoyed it but he didn't want to go.
It was great being able to meet The Sistagirls after the show and chat with them for a while. They are very fond of Jennifer even though she bossed them around. It can't be easy being a Tiwi Islander male and living as a woman. Gutsy stuff!
The venue for many of the shows looked inviting with coloured lights strung to give the illusion of being in a big top. The rest of the park was decked out with special lighting to highlight trees; huge paper lanterns were suspended from trees and magical fish swam through the air above our heads. Lengthy bamboo poles cut through the space and added another layer to this setting. The atmosphere was friendly - a bit like Womad.
I don't think Heath (Jennifer's partner) really believed me when I told him about the warm weather until he stepped out of the airport.
It was lovely being able to catch up with family and friends and just be home. Nice to walk along Semaphore Rd and The Esplanade.
Robert did a few sightseeing trips during the week and caught up with a cousin he hadn't seen for over 44 years and an ex-student who is in the defence force.
We checked out Mindil Beach markets tonight - you'd have to be really fussy if you couldn't find a cuisine that you enjoyed. I thought there would be a few food stalls and some art/craft stuff but there were so many food stalls selling delish food and even more art/craft stalls. We focussed on the food and next time, the other stalls may get a visit.
Before we window-shopped the food stalls, we walked to the beach to watch the sunset that we'd heard so much about. The number of people doing the same thing was staggering. Hundreds of people stood facing west to watch the glowing ball disappear on the horizon. Whilst it was a lovely sight, I think Largs Bay beach has an impressive sunset and I've seen many of them. Oddly, some people actually clapped when the sun set. A sunrise might be something that I would find impressive because I haven't seen many of them.
The tempting aromas from the food stalls were soon competing with each other as we checked out the many offerings. Fish cakes, tempura prawns and a pawpaw chilli salad followed by a mango sorbet did the job. Thursday night might see us back there for something different.
There were hundreds of people doing the same thing as us and out of that crowd, we bumped into Madi and her mum. Madi is an ex-Lefevre High student, whom we both taught and she's up here working for a few months. Being homesick last week, Bob showed her some of the local sights and took her shopping.
 |
| Bobby and Heafy at Mindil Beach |
The show was excellent with lots of great songs that were made for dancing and clapping. The choreography was well done; the humour was risqué and everyone enjoyed it. We had the best seats as Heath was asked to photograph the performers during the show. I think Bobby would have enjoyed it but he didn't want to go.
It was great being able to meet The Sistagirls after the show and chat with them for a while. They are very fond of Jennifer even though she bossed them around. It can't be easy being a Tiwi Islander male and living as a woman. Gutsy stuff!
The venue for many of the shows looked inviting with coloured lights strung to give the illusion of being in a big top. The rest of the park was decked out with special lighting to highlight trees; huge paper lanterns were suspended from trees and magical fish swam through the air above our heads. Lengthy bamboo poles cut through the space and added another layer to this setting. The atmosphere was friendly - a bit like Womad.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday 1st August 2011 (Happy Birthday to all the horses) Darwin
Finally arrived in Darwin this morning. We spent the last couple of days at a place called Mary River Crossing. I am not going to believe any of the advertising brochures any more!! This was called a resort - well there was a restaurant and a pool and some cabins. The camping area was quite nice but the toilets/showers were limited to 3 of each and with a public holiday in NT for Darwin Cup, there were a lot of campers.
The mosquitoes were in abundance so once more I've got heaps of bites. Today, we bought another mossie repellant with a lantern that is supposed to have a 5 metre radius of protection.
We met some more lovely people who come from Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Radio reception was very dodgy because we were in a shadow. I wanted to follow the Showdown so I drove the car to higher ground and was able to listen for about 20 mins before it dropped out. Unfortunately, the result wasn't good for Port.
We did a bit of sight-seeing in this area on the way to a place called Shady Camp there was a bird billabong off the beaten track that we thought we'd check out. Most of the signs are excellent but some don't have all the information needed. The billabong was so many km from a sign but when we got there, the actual billabong was a 2 hour walk. We weren't prepared for that so it didn't happen. The road to Shady Camp is bitumen for most of the way but we weren't planning
going there.
Next stop was Couzen's Lookout. The road out to Couzen's Lookout was dirt but it was in good condition. I thought I'd check the phone signal and got through to Jennifer. We're both excited about Jennifer's arrival on Friday morning. Called Mum and Dad too to find out that Dad has shingles. He's not doing well at the moment.
The lookout was named after a ranger who had died and there was a memorial plaque with some information about him. This spot was on higher ground and looked out over a billabong. We were about 300 metres from something we saw in the water. It looked like a log but it was swimming against the tide at a rapid pace. Robert hot-footed it back to the car to get the binoculars and we could see that it was a large crocodile. Scanning the waters, we noticed another one not too far away. Normally, the crocs are on the banks basking in the sun but a motor boat had just gone past so maybe the crocs were on the lookout for something.
About 4:30 a.m. there were screams and shouting from the unpowered section of the park. I didn't hear it but Robert did and when he looked out the window, he saw people with torches running around. There are wild pigs in this area and a sow with 3 piglets were rummaging through an untidy camp site where food scraps, etc had been left out. Robert said it was already a pig stye but now it was really one. The campers had a dog called Bundy but it wasn't having anything to do with the very protective sow that became a tad aggressive with the commotion. That wasn't on the brochure either!
On our way out this morning, there were a few sulphur-crested cockatoos literally hanging around the sprinklers. One cheeky bird slowed the down the flow and proceeded to lap up the water before flying off to another sprinkler, where it clung to a tree trunk and had a shower as the sprinkler rotated. Clever bird!
After shopping at some out of the way places over the last few weeks, it was pleasant to go to Coles (we try to avoid it at home and support Semaphore Foodland). Lots of cheaper prices and we stocked up on fresh fruit and veg.
Our CP is about 10 mins fro CBD and it's big. Our site is shady and Bobby has been playing this afternoon,with the annex. The soil is so hard that he's had to use his electric drill to "dig" and make holes for the tent pegs. After drilling, the holes are filled with water. I'm glad he likes doing this.
Sight-seeing starts tomorrow and maybe a little bit of retail therapy! Bobby thinks I need some new bathers - I'm up for that.
The mosquitoes were in abundance so once more I've got heaps of bites. Today, we bought another mossie repellant with a lantern that is supposed to have a 5 metre radius of protection.
We met some more lovely people who come from Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Radio reception was very dodgy because we were in a shadow. I wanted to follow the Showdown so I drove the car to higher ground and was able to listen for about 20 mins before it dropped out. Unfortunately, the result wasn't good for Port.
We did a bit of sight-seeing in this area on the way to a place called Shady Camp there was a bird billabong off the beaten track that we thought we'd check out. Most of the signs are excellent but some don't have all the information needed. The billabong was so many km from a sign but when we got there, the actual billabong was a 2 hour walk. We weren't prepared for that so it didn't happen. The road to Shady Camp is bitumen for most of the way but we weren't planning
going there.
Next stop was Couzen's Lookout. The road out to Couzen's Lookout was dirt but it was in good condition. I thought I'd check the phone signal and got through to Jennifer. We're both excited about Jennifer's arrival on Friday morning. Called Mum and Dad too to find out that Dad has shingles. He's not doing well at the moment.
The lookout was named after a ranger who had died and there was a memorial plaque with some information about him. This spot was on higher ground and looked out over a billabong. We were about 300 metres from something we saw in the water. It looked like a log but it was swimming against the tide at a rapid pace. Robert hot-footed it back to the car to get the binoculars and we could see that it was a large crocodile. Scanning the waters, we noticed another one not too far away. Normally, the crocs are on the banks basking in the sun but a motor boat had just gone past so maybe the crocs were on the lookout for something.
About 4:30 a.m. there were screams and shouting from the unpowered section of the park. I didn't hear it but Robert did and when he looked out the window, he saw people with torches running around. There are wild pigs in this area and a sow with 3 piglets were rummaging through an untidy camp site where food scraps, etc had been left out. Robert said it was already a pig stye but now it was really one. The campers had a dog called Bundy but it wasn't having anything to do with the very protective sow that became a tad aggressive with the commotion. That wasn't on the brochure either!
On our way out this morning, there were a few sulphur-crested cockatoos literally hanging around the sprinklers. One cheeky bird slowed the down the flow and proceeded to lap up the water before flying off to another sprinkler, where it clung to a tree trunk and had a shower as the sprinkler rotated. Clever bird!
After shopping at some out of the way places over the last few weeks, it was pleasant to go to Coles (we try to avoid it at home and support Semaphore Foodland). Lots of cheaper prices and we stocked up on fresh fruit and veg.
Our CP is about 10 mins fro CBD and it's big. Our site is shady and Bobby has been playing this afternoon,with the annex. The soil is so hard that he's had to use his electric drill to "dig" and make holes for the tent pegs. After drilling, the holes are filled with water. I'm glad he likes doing this.
Sight-seeing starts tomorrow and maybe a little bit of retail therapy! Bobby thinks I need some new bathers - I'm up for that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)